Paper-Rest-Cycle

What is this all about?
In addition to recyclable paper pulp, paper recycling also produces large quantities of residual materials. These include short-fibre fractions (short-fibre paper sludge) that cannot be reprocessed into paper. These are currently disposed of in a costly and energy-intensive process, primarily by thermal means. Previous projects have proven that these short-fibre fractions of tissue paper and cardboard can be used to produce biogas. This biogas can substitute fossil fuels. However, the resulting fermentation product cannot be utilised as fertiliser in Germany. In order to achieve a circular economy with the paper sludge, processing methods for the fermentation products are to be investigated and assessed economically and ecologically as part of this project.

What motivated you to take part in this tender? Where did the idea come from?
The paper industry aims to become climate-neutral by 2050. The energetic utilisation of previously unused residual materials is a promising approach to get a significant step closer to this goal. However, large-scale implementation of biogas technology at paper recycling sites only makes sense if effective fermentation product utilisation is also possible. This project's results should therefore help to remove a major obstacle to the energetic utilisation of this industry's residual materials.

What are the benefits of this project for society and/or in terms of sustainability?
The project results will make it possible for the paper industry to utilise its own waste materials for energy in a more diverse way in future and at the same time implement the idea of a circular economy in terms of water and nutrient recycling. Especially in our region between Cologne and Aachen, the paper industry is an important branch of industry with a large number of employees. The project results are a contribution to securing the long-term sustainability of this industry in the region.

Who else is involved?
The FH Aachen with the Institute NOWUM-Energy and the company PlanET Biogastechnik GmbH are involved in the project. PlanET Biogastechnik GmbH builds biogas plants worldwide and offers the planning, approval and construction of such enclosures as a service. In addition, two companies from the paper recycling industry (UPM Hürth and Smurfit Kappa Zülpich GmbH) are involved in the project as associated partners.